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The following questions were contained in the Summer 2008 Comprehensive Exam.

ISQA 8060 - RESEARCH IN MIS

  1. You are asked to develop a research proposal and design for the US Government. Please cover the following in your presentation.
    1. What is the phenomenon you observe in this case… 10%
    2. What concepts would you use to help you understand this phenomenon?... 20%
    3. Please design a research project to investigate the problem being posed in this company… 30%
    4. Present an outline of a research proposal you would submit to Signal International. Explain each section of the outline… 30%
    5. What would be the deliverables(s) of this research project …10%

    Information Technology at the FBI

    Experts are disputing Attorney General John Ashcroft's claims that a decade of deficient information technology funding hampered the FBI's intelligence gathering prior to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. In a high-profile appearance Tuesday before the commission charged with investigating the deadly assaults, Ashcroft warned that through the 1990s, "the FBI's information infrastructure had been starved, and by Sept. 11, it collapsed from budgetary neglect." The analysis drew a skeptical response from government watchdogs, who painted it as a typical bureaucratic reflex: Blame the budget rather than management. Ashcroft's comments come, as President George W. Bush is seeking an FBI funding increase of about $500 million, or 11.4 percent, for next year--part of a request for $22.1 billion in total Department of Justice funding.

    "The bureau essentially had 42 separate information systems, none of which were connected. Agents lacked even the most basic Internet technology...(These problems) hindered information sharing with the Justice Department, the intelligence community, and state and local law enforcement," Ashcroft told the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States. Longtime observers of the FBI acknowledge that the bureau's hardware and networks were indeed shabby in 2001, but they argue that the real explanation is more complicated than Ashcroft indicated: The bureau's top management just didn't care about IT. For more than a decade, they say, the FBI's experiences with IT have been plagued by budget overruns, slipped deadlines and devastating critiques from outside auditors.

    Trilogy

    A massive FBI technology upgrade called Trilogy is designed to usher the bureau into the 21st century. The push, which has been in the planning stages since the mid-1990s, specifies that FBI employees will receive new hardware, better software and speedier communication links. A Web-based portion called the Virtual Case File is designed to provide access to more commercial and internal government databases, along with one easy-to-use search engine for all FBI files in the system.

    But internal Justice Department reports show that Congress was worried about giving the FBI a blank check because of the bureau's "lack of credibility," after projects like the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System and the National Crime Information Center were completed millions of dollars over budget and years behind schedule. "The FBI's inability to effectively complete IT projects within budget and schedule reduced the FBI's credibility in the eyes of Congress," a December 2002 audit from the Justice Department's inspector general said. "The lack of credibility contributed to delays in the FBI receiving congressional funding to upgrade its IT infrastructure."

    In November 2000, Congress wrote a check for $100.7 million to pay for the first year of the $379.8 million Trilogy project. in January 2002, responding to the Sept. 11 attacks, Congress handed over the remainder and an extra $78 million to speed things up. Other portions of the FBI's budget also jumped after the attacks. The FBI's budget had gradually grown from $680.7 million in 1981 to $1.79 billion in 1991 to $3.4 billion in 2001. Immediately after the Sept. 11 attacks, though, it leaped to $4.49 billion for the federal government's 2002 fiscal year.

    Post 9/11

    One big change at the FBI took place on Sept. 5, 2001, when Robert Mueller succeeded Freeh as the sixth director of the largest federal police agency. Through his work as the U.S. Attorney in San Francisco, Mueller had gained a reputation as being more tech-savvy. "Every FBI manager--indeed, every agent--needs to be computer-literate," Mueller said at his Senate confirmation hearing. "Not a computer programmer--but aware of what computers can and cannot do to assist them with their jobs."

    But even Mueller and the influx of cash hasn't seemed to help the FBI fix its IT problems. A September 2003 report from Congress' auditing arm said "the FBI has yet to develop (a master IT architecture plan), and it does not have the requisite means in place to effectively develop, maintain and implement one. The state of the bureau's architecture efforts is attributable to the level of management priority and commitment that the bureau has assigned to this effort."

    Trilogy's deadlines kept slipping, the General Accounting Office (GAO) noted, and the FBI did not meet its July 2002 deadline. The GAO gave the FBI a 1-out-of-5 rating, with 5 being highest. The FBI, the auditors concluded, had failed to appoint a chief information architect, create a master IT plan and establish an "architecture-steering committee"--all of which are required to achieve even a modest rating of 2 out of 5. Now, the FBI is racing to meet a revised April 30 deadline for upgrading its antique computers. The portion of Trilogy that dealt with upgrading networks was finally finished in March 2003, but the Virtual Case File software currently in development has been repeatedly delayed.

    Excerpts are from: "Critics: Management, not IT money, is FBI problem"By Declan McCullagh, CNET News.com, Published on ZDNet News: April 14, 2004, 2:37 PM PT

  2. Please answer all parts of this question. Clearly state and explain all assumptions. Appended on the following page is the introduction section of a proposed research project that you are planning to conduct. Based on this proposal, your assignment is to answer the following questions:
    1. State or define the problem under investigation… 10%.
    2. Specify all concepts and explain why you consider them to be a dependent variable, independent variable(s), intervening variable(s), and moderating variable(s)… 20%.
    3. Based on the answers above, now develop a complete theoretical framework and draw a schematic diagram. Provide a brief rationale for any relationships you may establish in your model… 10%.
    4. Develop four testable hypotheses and state each, both in the null and in the alternate forms... 20%.
    5. How would you establish the "scientific" quality of this research? … 10%.
    6. Would this be basic or applied research? Briefly state how, or under what circumstances, this very same research could become the opposite of whatever your answer is… 10%.
    7. Which research design would you use? Be sure to clearly explain your reasoning… 20%.

    PROPOSED RESEARCH STUDIES USER ACCEPTANCE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

    Understanding why people accept or reject computers has proven to be one of the most challenging issues in information systems (IS) research. Researchers and practitioners alike are working on finding some way to predict and explain future user behavior from simple measures taken after a very brief period of interaction with a system. Researchers have posited that two particular user-related beliefs, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are key determinants of attitude towards using a system, which in turn influences actual system use. Perceived usefulness is defined as the "prospective user's subjective probability that using a specific application system will increase his or her job performance within an organizational context." Perceived ease of use refers to "the degree to which the prospective user expects the target system to be free of effort."

    Studies have also found evidence to show that people's actual system use can be predicted reasonably well from their behavioral intentions (to use the system) and that perceived usefulness is also a major determinant of people's intention to use the system. In fact, there is empirical evidence to show that attitudes (towards computer use) mediate the effects of beliefs on intentions. In other words, attitudes towards use influences people's behavioral intention to use the system, which in turn impacts actual system use, in that causal sequence. It has also been found that perceived ease of use is a significant secondary determinant of people's intentions to use systems. Finally, IS researchers have also reported that any other external variables that influence user behavior do so indirectly by influencing perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. [This description is based on published research works including Davis et al. (1989), Davis (1989), and Vishwanath & Davis (1996).] The description has been designed as an exercise and is the authors' interpretation of the cited works.

    References:

    Davis, F.D., Bagozzi, R.P. and Warshaw, P.R. (1989). "User Acceptance of Computer Technology: A Comparison of Two Theoretical Models," Management Science, 35:8 (August), pp. 982-1003.

    Davis, F.D. (1989). "Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, and User Acceptance of Information Technology," MIS Quarterly, 13:3, pp. 319-341. Vishwanath, V. and Davis, F.D. (1996). "A Model of the Antecedents of Perceived Ease of Use: Development and Test," Decision Sciences, 27:3, pp. 451-481.

ISQA 8110 - MODERN SOFTWARE DESIGN

  1. Compare and contrast "code and fix" development, as often used in web-based e-commerce applications, with structured analysis and design. Be sure to address all phases of the development life cycle and long term maintenance in your answer.
  2. Describe in detail the Interaction Diagram (also called the Message-Trace diagram). Describe the use and applicability of this diagram in Analysis, Design, Coding, Testing, and long term maintenance.

ISQA 8210 - SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT & ISQA 8220 - SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (take home portion)

  • You have just been hired to work for NewBank, a relatively new financial institution headquartered in the Midwest. They have only been in business for five years, which is considered a "new player" in the banking sector. NewBank currently has ten branches in the Omaha area, but has plans to double its size within the next eighteen months. The IT department is quite small with only twelve employees. You are one of those twelve employees and were hired because you have knowledge about managing software development and systems analysis and design.

    NewBank knows that with this rapid growth, it will be harder to track and disseminate the knowledge that exists within the company. Right now, all of the employees at NewBank know one another and knowledge is easily exchanged within the company; however, this will change as NewBank grows in size. You have been tasked with managing the development of an internal knowledge management system. This system will be used to store lessons learned and best practices within the company on a variety of topics, such as dealing with customers, determining loan eligibility, and using NewBank's various information systems. They also want this knowledge management system to be a place for employees to solicit advice on how to deal with specific problems and post suggestions on how to make NewBank a better place for the employees and the customers. This knowledge management system is seen by the NewBank executives as key to ensuring the knowledge within the company is captured, stored, and shared among all employees.

    While the system is viewed as important, the organization does not have a large amount of money or resources to spend on this particular information system. The CIO is wondering if it would be possible to use open source software as some or all of the solution. There are several open source solutions available that can be used in organizations to capture, store, and share knowledge, but most would still need to be customized. Even if open source software is used, the project will not be complete. There will be additional coding and development to customize the solution for the needs of NewBank. The primary alternative to open source is developing the system from scratch. There is one developer within the IT department that built a similar system from scratch for his past employer five years ago. The other developers in the department have not worked on a project like this before. Two other developers in the department are very interested in open source, but have only worked with open source solutions at home as a hobby (i.e., installing them on servers at home and using them for personal blogs and wikis). No one in the organization has experience with open source software in an enterprise context.

    Write your take-home paper as if you are presenting a report to NewBank's chief information officer. This report should include:

    1. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using open source software for this particular project within the organization. This discussion should consider the nature of the organization and the system to be developed. Include at least four advantages and four disadvantages. You may make any assumptions, but be specific in stating your assumptions.
    2. A description of at least three criteria you would use to decide if open source would be an appropriate choice for this software development project at your organization. Apply the criteria to this situation. Again, you may make assumptions, but specifically state your assumptions.
    3. A proposal on whether or not your organization should use open source software:
      1. An explanation of how the systems analysis and design process would be affected should you decide to use open source software. Compare and contrast the systems analysis and design process that would be used if you build the system from scratch versus if you use open source software for part of the solution.
      2. A discussion on how the use of open source will affect the management of the software development project. Provide at least four potential issues that may arise (positive or negative) for project management. Explain how you would address these issues.
      3. A recommendation of whether or not the organization should use open source software for this project.

    IMPORTANT NOTE FOR PREPARING YOUR ANSWER: Remember to put your own analysis and argumentation into this answer. You may certainly use the Internet and any sources from your classes or elsewhere to complete the assignment (and of course you must cite those sources thoroughly and correctly); however, that research is just background for your own analysis and application of the question to the scenario presented. You should not just write long descriptions of facts, but you should apply those facts in a diagnostic way - show what YOU know and what you can say about these issues, and do not just repeat what somebody else knows.

ISQA 8310 - DATA COMMUNICATIONS

  1. The growth of the internet has driven the need to convert from the current version of Internet protocol (version 4) to an updated version (version 6). Answer the following questions about IPv4 and IPv6.
    1. A primary reason for the need to convert to IPv6 is the possibility that we could run out of IP addresses. One factor that has impacted the scarcity is the class-based addressing originally implemented with IPv4. What is class-based addressing? Be sure to address the following in your answer:
      1. Describe the major classes in class-based addressing
      2. Number of bits in an address classes and their distinguishing characteristics (bit formats, dotted decimal formats)
      3. Maximum number of networks and hosts for each class (e.g., which networks are large, and which are small?)
    2. While a primary motivation for implementing IPv6 has been the need to accommodate an ever-growing number of Internet users, there are also other practical reasons for implementing this new Internet protocol. Discuss some of these reasons.
    3. Explain the features of IPv6 that distinguish it from IPv4. Be specific. How does each feature address specific problems resulting from the use of IPv4? Provide examples (when necessary) to help explain your answers.
    4. Describe the IPv6 datagram format (be sure to discuss the header format here).
    5. Describe how IPv6 handles datagram fragmentation, and how is this different from how IPv4 handles fragmentation. How is this reflected in the IPv6 datagram format?
  2. Within TCP/IP both the Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) are widely used protocols at the transport layer. Compare and contrast TCP and UDP. Include the following information in your answer.
    1. What are their major functions of each?
    2. Why are two protocols needed?
    3. What types of applications use UDP, TCP? For what types should either NOT be used? Explain why (i.e., its advantages and disadvantages).
    4. Explain the concept of port numbers. What are they, and how do TCP and UDP use them?
    5. Discuss the datagram format and how UDP and TCP differ?

ISQA 8380 - MANAGING THE DISTRIBUTED COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

  1. Explain service oriented architecture (SOA). What is it? How does it differ from previous integration architectures used in the past? Explain the major enabling standards used in service oriented architecture and enabling technology that might be used in an SOA application. Explain what an enterprise service bus is and how it relates to service oriented architecture. Sketch a sample service oriented architecture implementation. Briefly describe the sketch components and how information flows through this example.
  2. A regional bank with a national reputation has been in business for some time. A decision has been made to open an "internet only bank capability" throughout the nation to provide financial services. It will be similar to ING Direct, HSBC Direct or FNBO Direct. The new internet bank will offer new checking and savings accounts and high yield certificates of deposit. Since it has no physical branches in most areas of the country, it will offer several services to its customers who tend to be technically savvy and looking for a good interest rate on certificates of deposit. These include:
    • ATM fees will be waved when using most ATM's throughout the country.
    • If a customer receives a physical check, the online system allows a customer to use a personal scanner to scan and upload check images which can then be cleared. These images will be routed to a bank teller to be cleared. Once they are cleared the money is deposited into the internet bank account. At this point, the physical check can be voided and filed or shredded. It does not have to be sent to the bank.
    • To keep track of balances and when checks are deposited into an account to avoid overdrawing on an account, alerts can be set so that text messages can be sent to a mobile phone using SMS.
    Here are the current technologies used by the bank to process their current branch bank business and web banking associated with these branch customers.
    1. The banking system is a COBOL / CICS application running on an IBM mainframe and uses 3270 terminal emulation for tellers and a DB2 relational database. It can also communicate using IBM MQ Series messaging
    2. The current image system used to handle both check images and loan document images is the FileNet Content Management System. It also includes the FileNet business process management system for human workflow. This uses a browser interface with a downloadable image viewer plug-in and can also communicate to other systems via file imports and web services.
    3. Microsoft Exchange email system to send email notices. This uses SMTP/POP protocols.
    4. ATM and Credit card company integration using MQ Series to a provider and the SWIFT financial standard.
    5. Credit Bureau to check the credit of the life insurance applicant. The interface to this is through a web service.
    6. New Account Background check web service - information is sent to this company via secure web service to validate that this is a legitimate person who should be granted a checking, savings or CD account.
    7. The current web banking system used by the bank is a java application running on IBM Websphere application servers. It was developed in-house and is currently supported in-house.
    8. The company uses the Microsoft Active Directory LDAP for managing authentication.
    9. New Service: 2SMS.com service - a service that sends SMS messages to cell phones and can be interfaced using either a REST/POX approach or a web service connection.
    You are on the project team to develop this new internet banking site (remember, customers do not have access to a branch). You need to be able to account for:
    1. The opening of a new account and checking credit and background of the new customer,
    2. The handling and workflow associated with scanning and uploading physical check images and clearing these check images
    3. Setting up and sending SMS messages based on alerts set by customers.
    Draw a diagram of how you would integrate these systems and accomplish the goals described above. Don't forget about security. Be sure to show all firewalls needed to protect data for this system. Show the high level integration protocols on the arrows such as "web service" "odbc sql" etc…Describe how data moves from one system to another in a paragraph and defend your approach.

ISQA 8410 - DATABASE MANAGEMENT

  1. Girl Scouts

    Each year, the sale of cookies is a major fund-raiser for the Girl Scouts. Each girl scout is a member of a Girl Scout Troop. Each troop has a number (e.g. Troop #3455) which is unique among all troops throughout the country. Each troop also has a name that reflects the area in which it meets (e.g. Dundee). Each troop is led by one or more Girl Scout Troop Leaders, and each Girl Scout Troop Leader may lead one or more troops. For the purposes of this database, it is sufficient to simply record the name of the Girl Scout Troop Leaders. Each troop consists of multiple Girl Scouts. For each Girl Scout, the Troop Leader records the name, address, telephone number, and parent or guardian name for the girl. A girl may be a member of only one troop at a time. In January of each year, each girl scout approaches people within her neighborhood or circle of acquaintances to try to sell them cookies. There are typically about six types of cookies available each year, though the precise set varies somewhat from one year to the next. The most popular flavors have been Thin Mints, Caramel Delights, and Peanut Butter Patties. When a customer wishes to purchase some cookies, the girl scout records the order by noting the types of cookies, the number of boxes of each type of cookie, the total number of boxes, and the total price of the order (which equals the number of boxes multiplied by the cost per box). The girl scout also records the name, address, and telephone number of the customer. The girl scout also records the amount due, which initially is equal to the total price of the sale. Cookies are usually delivered and paid for in February. When the cookies are paid for, the amount due value will be $0.

    1. Create a conceptual data model using E-R or UML notation for the Girl Scouts.
    2. Create a relational schema (a set of appropriately normalized tables) based on your diagram.
    3. Provide SQL queries that will provide the solution to the following questions
      1. List Molly Young's order. That is, list the types of cookies and number of boxes of each type of cookie Molly Young ordered.
      2. List the girls who are in Troop #3455
      3. List all of the troops and the total number of boxes ordered from each troop. (The result should have one row per troop).
      4. Create the table that contains the data about the girl scouts.
      5. List the girls in Troop #3455 who have sole more than 100 boxes.
  2. DBMS Benefits

    There are a number of stated benefits to the use of database management systems. These include enhancements to data integrity and ease of applications and data maintenance. Provide a brief tutorial on these topics. Identify the most significant threats to data integrity and maintenance overhead and outline how a DBMS addresses these issues.

ISQA 8420 - MANAGING THE IS FUNCTION

  1. Your firm has fallen on hard times. As a result there have been several competitors who have approached your firm's management about a merger or a buy out.

    The president of your firm has asked that you develop a list of questions that a potential acquiring firm might ask about the IS function with a reason for each question. He asks you to target these questions at the CIO of the potential acquiring firm.

    You are to respond to the president's request.

  2. Recent events in your area have highlighted the need to review the disaster recovery plan for your company. Your firm validates and processes medical claims for several insurance carriers. The doctor/patient submits the bill to your firm where it is review by a para-professional to determine if the charges meet the guidelines implemented by the insurance carrier.

    You are preparing a briefing for the management group concerning your disaster recovery plan. List the issues would you include in your briefing and the reason for including each issue.

ISQA 8810 - IT PROJECT FUNDAMENTALS

  1. You are building a fence. It has four sides and the construction cost for each side is $1,000. You estimate that the work will take four days. At the end of four days you have spent $4,000 but the fence is only 2/3 finished. Using the CPI and SPI estimate the costs and schedule for completion. Be sure to show all of your calculations.
  2. Referring to the problem above what could you have done to obtain a more accurate estimate at the end of the first day in order to implement corrective action? Make sure you use the PMI method for estimating a challenged project.
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